California Center for Sustainable Energy

Santa Monica workshop on plug-in EVs features experiences of local vehicle owners

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Feb 9, 2012) - Learn about recent developments in the electric vehicle revolution sweeping across California during a presentation on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. The workshop will focus on plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and feature a panel of local owners discussing their experiences with PEVs in everyday life.

The workshop is being presented by the California Center for Sustainable Energy ( CCSE) in partnership with the City of Santa Monica, South Coast Air Quality Control District and the Department of Energy’s EV Project. The workshop is free, and refreshments will be provided. To register, go to www.energycenter.org/cvrp-events.

During the workshop, Colin Santulli, a PEV expert with CCSE’s transportation programs, will outline the financial and environmental benefits of PEV ownership and the currently available clean vehicle incentives. Santulli is conducting a series of workshops in cities throughout the state, promoting PEVs and the statewide Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, a program of the California Air Resources Board.

“By making the switch to cleaner, more efficient plug-in electric vehicles, individuals can reduce their use of petroleum and help create cleaner air for all of us,” Santulli said. “This workshop will be a great opportunity for people to learn about the first-hand experiences of their neighbors who already own PEVs.”

The difference between other electric vehicles and PEVs is that they are at least partially powered by batteries onboard that charge up from the electrical grid rather than hybrids that have electrically assisted combustion engines. Some PEVs are all-electric and are solely fueled by the electrical grid. Currently available PEVs include the Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Tesla Roadster and others.

At the meeting, Santulli will also speak about the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project that provides cash incentives up to $2,500 for purchasing new PEVs that qualify. The project is part of statewide efforts to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions funded by the Air Resources Board.  Representatives from Southern California Edison, the City of Santa Monica, South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Department of Energy’s EV Project are scheduled to give presentations aimed at consumers considering making the switch to a PEV.

The California Center for Sustainable Energy, a San Diego-based nonprofit, administers the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. The center is conducting workshops throughout the state in order to promote the project and to educate consumers on electric vehicle technologies, new electric vehicle charging infrastructure and important consumer information regarding these vehicles.